Confidence is something that many of us strive for, but it’s not always easy to come by. We often look to external factors like our appearance, our job title, or our accomplishments to boost our confidence. But the truth is, true confidence comes from within – and that means showing up more authentically.
When we’re authentic, we’re not trying to be someone we’re not. We’re not hiding behind a mask or putting on a façade. Instead, we’re owning who we are – the good, the bad, and the ugly. And that’s where true confidence comes from.
So, if you’re looking to build your confidence, here are five ways to do it by showing up more authentically:
1. Practice self-awareness
Self-awareness is the foundation of authenticity. It means being in tune with your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and being able to recognize when you’re not being true to yourself. When you practice self-awareness, you can identify the things that are holding you back from being authentic and work on overcoming them.
To build self-awareness, try journaling, meditating, or simply taking some time each day to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Pay attention to the things that make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy – those are often signs that you’re not being true to yourself.
2. Embrace your strengths and weaknesses
Nobody is perfect – we all have strengths and weaknesses. When you embrace both your strengths and your weaknesses, you’re showing the world that you’re proud of who you are. And that’s a confidence booster.
Instead of trying to hide your weaknesses or pretending that they don’t exist, own them. Acknowledge that you’re not perfect, but that’s okay – nobody is. And when you embrace your imperfections, you’ll find that others are more accepting of them too.
3. Be honest with yourself and others
Honesty is a key component of authenticity. When you’re honest with yourself and others, you’re showing that you value truth and integrity. And that’s something that people respect.
Being honest doesn’t mean you have to share every detail of your life with everyone you meet. But it does mean being truthful about who you are and what you stand for. If you’re not happy with something in your life, be honest about it. If you have a different opinion than someone else, be honest about that too. When you’re honest, you’ll find that people trust and respect you more – and that’s a confidence booster.
4. Set boundaries
Setting boundaries is an important part of being authentic. When you set boundaries, you’re showing that you value your time, your energy, and your emotional well-being. And that’s something that people respect.
Setting boundaries can be hard, especially if you’re used to saying yes to everything. [Discover how to set healthy boundaries with my course, The Elegant No]But it’s important to remember that saying no doesn’t make you a bad person. It just means that you’re prioritizing your own needs and wants. When you set boundaries, you’ll find that you have more time and energy for the things that matter most to you – and that’s a confidence booster.
5. Surround yourself with supportive people
The people we surround ourselves with can have a big impact on our confidence. When you surround yourself with supportive people who accept you for who you are, you’ll feel more comfortable being your authentic self.
Of course, it’s not always possible to choose the people we’re around – especially in the workplace or in other situations where we don’t have much control. But you can still seek out supportive people in your personal life. Spend time with friends and family who accept you for who you are, and look for groups or communities that share your interests and values.
Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive
Howard Thurman
Remember, building confidence by showing up more authentically is not an overnight process, but it is worth the effort. It requires self-awareness, honesty, and a willingness to embrace your strengths and weaknesses. By setting boundaries and surrounding yourself with supportive people, you can create an environment where you feel comfortable being your true self.
True confidence doesn’t come from external factors like appearance or job title. It comes from within, from owning who you are and being proud of it. By following these five ways to build confidence through authenticity, you can create a foundation of self-confidence that will serve you well in all areas of your life. So go ahead and be your authentic self – the world needs your unique qualities and talents.
Interested in learning more about how you can tap into your authentic self and grow into the most confident and successful version of you? I’m inviting you for a virtual coffee chat to talk about just that! You can book your coffee chat here – I can’t wait to meet you :)
